Freckles

Freckles (sometimes called lentigo) are small yellowish or brownish-yellow irregularly rounded spots, from the size of a pin's head to that of a split pea, frequently seen on the skin, especially of fair or reddish-haired persons. They are not often met with under the age of six or eight. They are most common on the face, but often occur on the hands and sometimes elsewhere. They are always most distinct in summer; but, though the influence of the sun's rays undoubtedly increases their distinctness, it is doubtful whether it can cause them. They are due to increased local deposit of pigment in the skin; and it may be noticed that persons subject to them do not bronze uniformly under the influence of exposure nearly so deeply as others. Many methods of treatment have been advocated for their removal; but in most cases at least the improvement is not permanent. Among the milder measures which sometimes succeed in improving the condition, is a lotion of hyposulphite of soda (15 to 30 grains) or of chloride of ammonium (15 grains), along with corrosive sublimate ($\backslash frac\{1\}\{2\}$ grain to the ounce of water) applied to the part on rag or lint, or hypochlorite of sulphur ointment (one drachm to the ounce).